The Blessing of New Cultural Experinces--Ocotber 2017

Dave and I and Sarah Baer with a view of Chiang Mai

"Do not merely listen to the Word but do what it says." (James 1:22)  How impressed I've been once again by this short but very pragmatic book of James.  Christians make great claims but are often guilty of belying them with their actions. (Yep, me too!)  Professing to trust God and be His people, they often cling tightly to the world and its values.  Possessing all the right answers, they contradict the Gospel with their lives.  "What good is it my brothers if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds."  Genuine faith will inevitably produce good deeds.  This is the central theme of the book of James around which he supplies practical advice for living the Christian life.  With an energetic style and crisp well-chosen words James confronts the conflict head on.  He doesn't beat around the bush or mince words.  It's not enough to talk the Christian life--we must live it.  My Bible study is on this book and as I study and prepare, I realize that I gain more in my preparation than I could ever give.  

We've had a very busy couple of months since we've returned from the states.  It has been a joy to reunite with so many we have come to love and care about here.  It has also been great to welcome many back who were away and to greet new attenders to our Gathering fellowship.  We continue to pray for health and strength to minister to those who attend the Gathering.  Some are only here for a short time and others stay for awhile.  However long their stay, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we want to encourage them in the faith and in the work that God has called them to in this place.  It is still difficult difficult to constantly be saying hello and goodbye, but God continues to enrich our lives with many diverse people with whom we come into contact.  Since our church meets in a hotel, it is convenient for Christian workers that may be attending a conference here.  One man from Africa here for a conference said it this way, "Praise God for the opportunity to join this 'Gathering' of God's people (ecclesia) today."

                                                                  Ezra's 1st Birthday Celebration in Chiang Mai

We celebrated Ezra's one-year birthday a little late since we weren't all together on the actual day.  I don't think he minded.  Dave and I got him a balloon, and I made his favorite carrot muffin.  What a blessing is to be here with this cute little guy.

Thai Engagement Ceremony

I was blessed to be a part of a Thai engagement ceremony for Joy and Baum.  Joy is the social worker at the foundation for which Matthew and Audrey are a part, and she is a lovely Christian woman.  The ceremony was at her church, where her father is the pastor.  Though I couldn't understand everything, it was a joy to share with Thai brothers and sisters in Christ on this special occasion.  We often say that our church gatherings in the states usually involve food--and it is true.  However, let me tell you, every Thai event involves food.

Then Dave and I attended a Pakistani engagement ceremony.  Again the couple and families are Christian.  Dave gave a blessing as the pastor of the young girl and her family.  It was similar to the Thai ceremony but a little different.  Again we enjoyed being a part of this cultural experience.

We were also blessed to attend a baptism at an international school.  The directors/owners are vibrant Christians and can only be described as evangelists:  23 people( children, teachers, and parents) were baptized that night.  What an inspiration to see so many receive Christ as their Savior and take this step of baptism!

Last, but not least, our annual church picnic was again a huge success.  We had a great turn-out, lots of great food and wonderful fellowship.  Since our church rents our facilities for the Sunday services,  we don't have many opportunities for these kind of events.  But the school mentioned in the baptism above graciously provided their wonderful facilities free of charge because, "it belongs to the Lord." Praise God for this couple's wonderful testimony and ministry here.

One final story.  Everyone has heard the jokes about how many people (blonds, etc.) does it take to change a light bulb.  Well, I ask you how many people does it take?  The scene is 4 ladies gathered around an outside light at our gate.  First, I had to know if it was our responsibility to change these bulbs since we pay a mubahn(neighborhood) fee.  Next, I wanted to know if it was an electrical problem on our side of the street.  Every single light was out on our side while on the other side every light was on.  I asked the neighbor beside me if hers was working.  She tried--and sure enough it was.  I know now it is simply a matter of changing a bulb.  My neighbor proceeded to bring out a chair, a bulb, and screw driver.  She then instructed her daughter to go to work.  Meanwhile, the neighbor across the street came to give helpful instructions.  Much animated talking began.  I tried to unscrew the light globe.  More animated talking and,"Na, na!"  Clearly the was not the right move.  The young girl then stood on the edge of our garbage container and after that precariously on the ledge holding the light fixture.  I am holding on to her afraid she might fall.  I'm thinking to myself "I can do this," but they want to help.  Two screws are removed, the globe removed, and bulb changed. Voila! With four women and much conversation the goal is achieved.  I ran inside to replace the light bulb for my neighbor, but she refuses.  Mai ben rai--the favored expression of the Thai--no problem.  And now, I know how to change that particular bulb. :)

We covet your continued prayers on our behalf.  Please pray:

• For  health and strength and wisdom to continue to minister to our diverse congregation
• That we will be a light for Jesus in this place--to everyone with whom we come into contact
• That we encourage and support those with special needs and concerns
• We will utilize our time most effectively as our lives become busier